Rich and Hearty Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
Description: This delectable soup recipe, crafted with love and a touch of spice, transforms simple ingredients into a rich and fulfilling dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your crockpot repertoire. Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer a vegetable-focused meal, this versatile soup accommodates both preferences effortlessly. With a warm, savory base, it is wonderfully adaptable, so you can choose to omit the beef for a vegetarian option or kick up the heat with a dash of cayenne and hot sauce. For those who love a bit of zest, substituting Spicy V8 Juice for the tomato juice brings a delightful twist. Embrace the slow-cooked goodness and savor every spoonful of this hearty soup!
Category: Meat
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 can (or about 2 cups) tomato juice
- 1 cup water
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 3-6 cups of your favorite mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, green beans)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef: Begin by placing the beef stew meat into the bottom of your crockpot. The meat should be cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes tender as it simmers.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the tomato juice over the beef in the crockpot. Add in the mixed vegetables of your choice—these can be fresh, frozen, or a combination. Stir in the water to help meld all the flavors together.
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Season the Soup: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the mixture. For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to taste. The spices will infuse the soup with a robust flavor, balancing the richness of the beef with a hint of heat.
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Stir and Cook: Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Set your crockpot to the low heat setting and cover. Allow the soup to cook for approximately 5 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the beef will become wonderfully tender.
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Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds a delightful richness and a savory finish to each serving.
Tips:
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Vegetable Choices: Feel free to customize the vegetable blend based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots work beautifully, while green beans and corn add a pop of color and flavor.
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Spicy Variation: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can use Spicy V8 Juice instead of regular tomato juice and omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. This substitution will give your soup a slightly tangy and spiced-up flavor profile.
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Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the beef and substitute vegetable broth for the water. Increase the amount of vegetables to create a satisfying and hearty vegetable soup.
Enjoy this rich and hearty crockpot vegetable beef soup as a comforting meal on a chilly day or as a satisfying dinner that will warm your soul. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for those busy days when you need a delicious and effortless meal. 🌟🍲🧀
